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The San Diego Summer Open projects to deliver intense action. A fantastic collection of black belt champions and color belt prospects are set to take over the Southern California jiu-jitsu scene this weekend. Here are some of the most anticipated athletes and intriguing storylines to watch out for at the 2026 San Diego Summer Open.

 

Black Belts

Marcos Gomes

2026 Orange County Winter Open | Light-Featherweight Qualifier

Marcos Gomes returns to action after an unfortunate injury pulled him out of the 2026 World Championships. The reigning light-featherweight No-Gi World Champion and roosterweight Pan Champion has steadily built momentum throughout his black belt career. Since receiving his black belt from Gui Mendes at AOJ in September, 2023 Marcos has repeatedly proved his elite ability on the Grand Slam stage. Fans can expect Marcos to utilize his fantastic athleticism and precise finishing ability to pursue both Gi and No-Gi gold in San Diego this weekend.

 

Fellipe Andrew 

2023 Brasileiro | Heavyweight Semi-Final

The former World Champion Fellipe Andrew is slated to return to the Open Circuit this weekend. Fellipe most recently competed at the 2026 Brasileiros in June, where he commenced a dominant run in the heavyweight division before pulling out due to injury. Assuming the AOJ athlete is back to full health, the San Diego fanbase is sure to witness a show. The two-time World Champion enlisted in both Gi and No-Gi competition this weekend, and plans to leave San Diego with gold around his neck.

 

Alexander Sak 

2026 Milan Open | Open Class Final

The Abdullaev Team standout Alexander Sak has made his travel plans to visit the Southern California Open Circuit this weekend. Alexander recently delivered an outstanding double-gold performance at the 2026 Asian Championships. With six submissions in as many matches, Alexander proved his style both effective and thrilling. Opponents must be aware of his lethal breadcutter choke, a specialty of the Russian ultra-heavyweight contender. With a sole opponent in his weight class, fans can expect Alexander to apply for the open class title as well.

 

Male Lightweight No-Gi Division

2026 European Championships

The male no-gi lightweight division remains one of the most anticipated brackets at the San Diego Summer Open. A pair of Alliance athletes join the stacked division with Cleber Sousa and Kennedy Maciel representing dangerous contenders. Notably, Kennedy Maciel returns to the competition mats after an unfortunate injury led to his withdrawal from the 2026 World Championships. Gui Fernandes of AOJ has appeared to be in top form as of late. Gui secured American National gold in both Gi and No-Gi competition, then followed that outing with another standout performance at the Los Angeles Summer Open. Kody Alarcon of Triunfo BJJ is making his black belt debut in this stacked no-gi lightweight division. Kody showcased his skills beautifully at the 2025 No-Gi World Championships, where he earned himself a silver medal. Kody is well-balanced and features a submission-oriented style that consistently provides action. Jae Abrams, Gabriel Neves, and Riley Golden round out this lightweight division that projects to deliver fireworks. 

 

Elder Cruz

2025 Pan No-Gi | Super-Heavyweight Final

The three-time No-Gi World Champion Elder Cruz is prepared to take the San Diego mats this weekend. The Lucas Leite representative has won his titles in three consecutive years, proving he is in the midst of his prime. Elder provides constant forward action, marked by high-level wrestling and top-pressure. ‘El Monstro’ is certainly one of the marquee athletes at an event that features big names and bigger talent. Fans should expect Elder to contend for the Open Class No-Gi title as he remains the sole super-heavyweight competitor.

 

Jackson Nagai

2025 Pan Championship | Lightweight Semi-Final

Inevat representative Jackson Nagai is enlisted in Master 1 Gi and No-Gi competition. Jackson recently secured the adult middleweight Asian Championship title before capturing an American Nationals Master 1 title in Las Vegas. Jackson is known for having one of the most thrilling styles in all of jiu-jitsu. His 2026 World Championship run that resulted in a silver medal delivered some of the most memorable fights from the event. The constant forward pressure, submission threats, and dynamic technique make Jackson a must-watch competitor in any division he applies for.

 

Eliza Nascimento

2026 World Championships

The Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu rookie has commenced her black belt career in impressive fashion. Eliza Nascimento made her black belt debut at American Nationals, where she was challenged by proven veterans. Eliza maintained composure throughout the event, and captured marquee wins to secure the middleweight Gi title and No-Gi silver. After an impressive brown belt career, Eliza is on a mission to prove herself to be one of the brightest rookie black belt prospects in female jiu-jitsu.

 

Leticia Teixeira

2026 American Nationals 

The Atos Jiu-Jitsu black belt has steadily refined her game through consistent competition. Leticia remains the only athlete registered in the heavyweight division in both Gi and No-Gi competition, leading to inevitable open class enlistment. Leticia’s athleticism, technique, and strategy combined with her heavyweight frame will certainly make for a difficult test against any open class opponent this weekend. Leticia enters the San Diego Open as an early favorite to secure both Gi and No-Gi absolute titles.

 

Marcelo Fausto

2026 American Nationals

CheckMat standout Marcelo Fausto has commenced another strong No-Gi campaign in 2026. Marcelo ended his 2025 season with a Pan title and Worlds silver medal, drawing immense attention for his elite technique and fierce competitiveness. So far this year, Marcelo has earned Honolulu double-gold, American National gold, and now sets his sights on the San Diego Summer Open. Marcelo is set to face off with fellow medium-heavyweight technician, Saul Viayra, before possibly testing the open class waters.

 

Nata Tenca

2026 World Championships

Super-heavyweight rookie black belt Nata Tenca returns to action in San Diego this weekend. His sole competition at the highest level resulted in a rocky performance at American Nationals. Following his brown belt World Championship title in 2026, expectations on Nata’s black belt career were at an all-time high. Jiu-jitsu fans can expect Nata to return to his winning ways, specifically through utilizing his strong guard play and devastating leg lock arsenal.

 

Color Belts

Alexa Herse

2026 World Championships

Alliance purple belt World Champion Alexa Herse is set to make her brown belt debut in San Diego. The standout purple belt athlete finalized the 2026 Gi Grand Slam Circuit with a phenomenal Worlds run, in which she defeated multiple elite prospects. Alexa is set to compete in the Gi featherweight division against Roama Correa, before possibly enlisting in the open class division.

 

Anthony Silva

2026 American Nationals

Atos Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Anthony Silva returns to competition following a phenomenal brown belt debut. American Nationals served as Anthony’s initial brown belt proving grounds, in which the young prospect secured Gi and No-Gi titles. Anthony is projected to continue a successful 2026 campaign in San Diego, although he will be required to do so in absolute competition. 

 

Myles Joaquin

2026 Los Angeles Summer Open

Rookie brown belt Myles Joaquin aims to continue his successful 2026 campaign at the San Diego Summer Open. Myles has impressed this season with five gold medals since achieving his brown belt after the 2026 World Championships. Myles is slated to compete in medium-heavyweight Gi and No-Gi competition, where his deepest competition will certainly come in the Gi. Myles secured quadruple gold at the Los Angeles Summer Open, a feat he hopes to repeat in San Diego this weekend.

 

Stay tuned to official IBJJF Channels for updates on all the weekend action. Head over to the IBJJF Youtube page for exclusive IBJJF content and athlete footage!